HomeMy Public PortalAbout2003_Bicycle Accommodation Master Plan with Figures_201409101150522774 BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
TOWN OF WATERTOWN
WATERTOWN BICYCLE COMMITTEE
July 18, 2003
LOW M .. i
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Prepared by:
GREENMAN-PEDERSEN, INC.
28 Lord Road, Suite 280
Marlborough, MA 01752
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TOWN OF WATERTOWN
BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Table of Contents
Page
Section I Executive Summary 1-2
Section II Governing Standards for Bicycle 3-5
Accommodation
Section III Recommendations 6-37
Appendix A - MassHighway Policy on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations
Appendix B - MassHighway Bicycle Route and Share the Road Signing Policy
Appendix C - FHWA Abstract - Bicycle Lanes vs. Wide Curb Lanes
TOWN OF WATERTOWN
BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
List of Figures
Figure 1 - Minimum Recommended Pavement Widths per AASHTO
Figure 2 -Minimum Recommended Pavement Widths per AASHTO
Figure 3 - Watertown Bike Routes
Figure 4 - Cross - Section - Arsenal Street
Figure 5 - Cross - Section - Main Street
Figure 6 - Cross - Section - Main Street (Commercial Area)
Figure 7 - Cross - Section - Mt. Auburn Street
Figure 8 - Cross - Section - Mt. Auburn Street (Commercial Area)
Figure 9 - Cross - Section - Pleasant Street
Figure 9A - Cross - Section - Waltham Street (West of Bridge Street)
Figure 10 - Cross - Section - Watertown Street
Figure 11 - Cross - Section - Arlington Street
Figure 12 - Cross - Section - Common Street
Figure 13 - Cross - Section - Coolidge Ave.
Figure 14 - Cross - Section - Coolidge Ave.
Figure 15 - Cross - Section - Grove Street
BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. (GPI) has been retained by the Town of Watertown Department
of Public Works to assist the Town in the preparation of a Bicycle Transportation Plan. The
purpose of the plan is to recommend bicycle accommodations including but not limited to
on road bike lanes, signing and directional devices, other lane improvements and safety
improvements.
This plan contains the following elements:
♦ Meetings/liaison with local officials and groups, and state agencies to coordinate
their activities with the goals of the plan.
♦ Review existing conditions for bicycle accommodations on selected roadway
corridors.
♦ Identify key destination points and establish a town wide bicycle "network".
♦ Identify and evaluate potential bicycle accommodations.
This Bicycle Transportation Plan was prepared in coordination with the Watertown Bicycle
Committee and the Watertown Department of Public Works.
Study corridors have been provided by the Watertown Bicycle Committee.A summary of
recommendations for improved bicycle accommodations follows:
East-West Routes:
1. Arsenal Street (2 lane section) -Add 5 foot bike lanes.
2. Arsenal Street (4 lane section) - Leave as is, future reconstruction should consider
wider shoulders.
3. Main Street (west of Waverley Street) - Provide an 11foot combined bike/parking lane
on both sides leaving two 12 foot travel lanes.
4. Main Street (east of Waverley Street) - Provide a 5 foot bike lane on both sides leaving
two 11 foot travel lanes.
S. Mt.Auburn Street- Study the potential for eliminating one travel lane in each direction.
If a lane reduction is feasible, stripe two 14 foot travel lanes with two eight foot parking
lanes and two five foot bike lanes offset one foot from the parking lane. Sign for Bike
Lanes.
6. Mt.Auburn Street- (commercial district) - Study the potential for eliminating one
travel lane in each direction. If a lane reduction is feasible, stripe two 14 foot travel
lanes with two eight foot parking lanes and two five foot bike lanes offset one foot from
the parking lane. Sign for Bike Lanes.
7. North Beacon Street-Add "Share the Road" signs to supplement existing bike lanes.
8. Orchard Street- This is a low volume residential street. Use "Share the Road" signing in
the vicinity of the school. Paint shoulder stripe at a 5 foot offset from the curb.
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9. Pleasant Street- Reconstruct to minimum 29.5 foot width by widening each side. Stripe
for two 12 foot travel lanes and two 3 foot minimum shoulders.Add "Share the Road"
signing.
10. Summer Street- This is a low volume residential street which would not require bicycle
signing or pavement markings.
11.Walnut Street- This is a low volume residential street which would not require bicycle
signing or pavement markings.
12.Waltham Street- Post" Share the Road" signing east of Bridge street. West of Bridge
street, add bike lanes both sides.
13.Watertown Street- Presently striped with parking/bicycle space at 10-11 feet from
curb both sides, but is not signed. Leave pavement markings as is. Post"Share the Road"
signing.
North - South Routes:
1. Arlington Street- Provide delineation of parking lane 8.5 feet from curb both sides,
leaving 22 feet for two lanes. Post"Share the Road" signing.
2. Church Street- Post"Share the Road" signing
3. Common Street- Limit parking to one side (where applicable). Place shoulder stripe 7
feet from curb leaving a 3 foot shoulder on other side and two 11 foot lanes. Post"Share
the Road" signing.
4. Coolidge Avenue (east of Grove Street) -Widen to uniform 30 foot width. Stripe for two
11 foot lanes and two 4 foot shoulders. Sign as a Bike Route.
S. Coolidge Avenue (west of Grove Street) - Paint 9 foot shoulder/parking lanes both
sides. Sign as a Bike Route.
6. Dexter Street- This is a low volume residential street which would not require bicycle
signing or pavement markings.
7. Galen Street- Post"Share the Road" signing
8. Grove Street (Coolidge Avenue to Kandazian Street) - Maintain 30 foot width. Stripe as
two 11 foot thru lanes and two 4 foot shoulders. Sign as a Bike Route.
9. Grove Street (north of Kandazian Street) - Maintain 30 foot width. Stripe as two 11 foot
thru lanes and two 4 foot shoulders. Sign as a Bike Route.
10. Lexington Street(north of Main Street) - Maintain 27 foot width. Stripe as two 11 foot
thru lanes and two 2.5 foot shoulders. Post"Share the Road" signing.
11. School Street (Arsenal Street to Putnam Street) - Maintain 30 foot width. Post"Share
the Road" signing.
12. School Street (Putnam Street to Mt.Auburn Street) - Post"Share the Road" signing
13. School Street (north of Mt.Auburn Street) - Post"Share the Road" signing
14.Waverley Street- Post"Share the Road" signing. Paint shoulder stripe at five foot offset
from curb.
The installation of"Share the Road" signing is recommended in many areas to increase
driver awareness of the presence of bicycles. Share the road signing can be especially
effective near schools, on frequently used bicycle routes and at steep grades or other areas
where there is potential for bicycle/motor vehicle conflicts. The Town should be judicious
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in the use of"Share the Road" signing as saturation can reduce the positive impact of the
signs.
Other recommendations include various design treatments used to facilitate safer bicycle
travel, safety education and regular contact between the Bicycle Committee and the police
department to identify problem areas where increased enforcement would be effective.
Alternatives were evaluated for practicality, given political and budgetary constraints. For
example, although roadway widenings and parking prohibitions often enhance the level of
bicycle accommodation, they are often expensive, disruptive and controversial. Therefore,
many of the recommendations in this study are based on the most practical, cost effective
and immediately attainable solutions.An effort was made to meet minimum bicycle
accommodation criteria for major north-south and east-west routes in order to provide for
a more bicycle friendly"network" in Watertown.
GOVERNING STANDARDS FOR BICYCLE ACCOMMODATION'
Governing standards for bicycle facilities are cited from the following sources:
1. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
1999 Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities.
2. Massachusetts Highway Department (MassHighway) - 1995 Highway Design
Manual (metric edition).
3. Massachusetts Highway Department Engineering Directive 98-003 in response to
MGL Chapter 87 ACTS of 1996 Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation (Appendix
A).
4. Federal Highway Administration Publication No. FHWA-RD-92-073 Selecting
Roadway Design Treatments to Accommodate Bicycles dated January 1994.
S. Massachusetts Highway Department Policy Directive P-98-003 - Bicycle Route and
Share the Road Signing Policy (Appendix B).
Class I- Shared Use Paths
Shared use paths are defined in the 1999 AASHTO guidelines as "facilities on an exclusive
right-of-way with minimal cross flow by motor vehicles." Users may include bicyclists,
pedestrians, roller bladers,wheelchairs, etc.
1 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)-Draft Guide for the
Development of Bicycle Facilities-September 1998.
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AASHTO guidelines recommend a minimum 3 meters (10 foot) width with two 0.6 meters
(2 foot) graded shoulders for shared use paths on an exclusive right-of-way.
Class II-Bike Lanes
Bike lanes can be provided when it is desirable to delineate available road space for
preferential use by motorists and bicyclists. For roadways with no curb and gutter, the
minimum width of a bike lane should be 1.2 meters (4 feet). If parking is permitted, the
bike lane should have a minimum width of 1.5 meters (5 feet). If parking is permitted, but
a parking stripe or stalls are not utilized, the shared area should be a minimum of 3.3
meters (11 feet) without a curb face and 3.6 meters (12 feet) adjacent to curb face. If the
parking demand/turnover is high, an additional 0.3 meters - 0.6 meters (1-2 feet) is
desirable.
Class III-Signed Shared Roadways-Bike Routes
Signed shared roadways are identified as bike routes. Current MassHighway policy
regarding bike routes can be found in Appendix B. According to the (AASHTO) guidelines,
there are several reasons for signing/designating preferred bike routes.
1. The route provides continuity to other bicycle facilities.
2. The road is a common route for bicyclists through a high demand corridor.
3. In rural areas, the route is preferred for bicycling due to low motor vehicle volumes
or paved shoulder availability.
4. The route extends along local neighborhood streets and
collectors that lead to an internal destination such as a park, 6AD
school or commercial district.
BIKE THOU I�
When considering signing as a "Bike Route,"jurisdictions should take
action to ensure suitability and maintenance by implementing the following:
1. Provide at least the AASHTO minimum outside curb lane width of 4.2 meters (14
feet). 4 and 1/2 meters (15 feet) is preferred. For full depth reconstruction
projects to be eligible for MassHighway or Chapter 90 funding, a minimum outside
lane width of 4.5 meters (14.76 feet) must be maintained (see Appendix A) unless a
"waiver" is granted. A maintenance (not full depth reconstruction) project can be
funded under the Chapter 90 program without a waiver.
2. Remove or restrict on-street parking in areas of critical width. Where bicyclists are
subjected to opening car doors,vehicles exiting parking spaces, mirrors and
obscured views due to parked vehicles, a minimum of 3.6 meters (12 feet) of
combined bicycle travel and parking width is recommended.
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3. Adjust traffic control devices (stop signs, signals) to give greater priority to bicycles.
This may include extending clearance intervals or installation of detection for
bicycles.
4. Provide a smooth riding surface including bicycle safe drainage grates.
S. Maintain the route through regular street sweeping to prevent accumulation of
debris.
6. Provide "Bike Route" signing with destination information.
Class IV-Shared Roadways-"Share the Road Signing"
Bicycles will be ridden on most roadways where they are permitted. Roadway designs
should account for bicycle safe practices. The most critical parameter is outside lane width.
AASHTO recommends a minimum of 4.2 meters (14 feet) of usable lane width in a wide
curb lane. MassHighway standards where applicable, recommend that outside lanes for
roadway sections without designated bikeways should be at least 4.5
meters (14.76 feet) in width. Additional width is desirable so
motorists will not need to cross centerlines nor lane lines to pass a
bicyclist. In on street parking areas, a minimum of 3.6 meters (12
feet) of combined bicycle travel and parking is recommended.
Many jurisdictions have utilized edge striping on local streets to
delineate shoulders where bicycle travel is expected. MassHighway
SHARE
policy discourages the use of edge lines on local streets unless the THE ROAD
delineated shoulder is of adequate width for a parked vehicle (7-8
feet, 2.1 - 2.4 meters) or a parking prohibition is in place. Where on-
street parking demand is minimal but allowed, some jurisdictions have chosen to delineate
shoulders less than the width of a parked vehicle in order to define bicycle space. This
technique is utilized to channelize motor vehicles toward the center of the roadway away
from bicycle traffic, and to "calm"traffic by narrowing perceived lane widths.
Shared roadways where bicycle traffic is expected are often supplemented with "Share the
Road" signing. "Share the Road" signing can be posted without absolute conformance to
the above Shared Roadway minimum width requirements. Current MassHighway policy
regarding the use of"Share the Road" signing can be found in Appendix B.
Summary of Minimum Recommended Pavement Widths (Two Lane Roads,Volume> 2000
ADT) -Per AASHTO Guidelines
1. Class II Bike Lanes with no parking- 32 feet
2. Class II Bike Lanes with parking on one side - 38-40 feet
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3. Class II Bike Lanes with parking both sides - 46-50 feet
4. Class III Signed Shared Roadway with no parking- 28 feet (29.5 feet per
MassHighway)
S. Class III Signed Shared Roadway with parking on one side - 37 feet (37.76 feet per
MassHighway)
6. Class III Signed Shared Roadway with parking both sides - 46 feet
7. Class IV Shared Roadway with no parking- 28 feet (29.5 feet per MassHighway)
8. Class IV Shared Roadway with parking on one side - 37 feet (37.76 feet per
MassHighway)
9. Class IV Shared Roadway with parking both sides - 46 feet (desirable)
RECOMMENDATIONS
Bicycle Safety
The majority of bicycling accidents (65% to 85%) do not involve collisions with motor
vehicles and typically involve collisions with fixed objects, falls or collisions with other
cyclists and pedestrians. In general, bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles
are categorized as follows (in descending order of approximate frequency):
• Intersections - Motorist or bicycle fails to yield at a stop, signal or turn.
• Mid -block- Motorist or bicycle left or entered roadway.
• Wrong way bicycle riding.
• Bicycle or motorist turning or swerving.
• Bicyclist hit from behind by a motorist.
• Motorist opening car doors in the path of a bicyclist.
Most crashes involve disobeying the rules of the road, either by the motorist or bicyclist.
Many communities such as Lexington and Cambridge provide bicycle safety programs to
give bicyclists the knowledge and tools to safely coexist with motor vehicles. The Town of
Watertown should consider adopting a bicycle education and training program.
The Massachusetts Bicycle Safety-Alliance is an important resource which promotes
programs and activities to enhance bicycle safety.
Enforcement is a key component of bicycle safety. Frequent contact between bicycle
advisory committees and local police departments is encouraged to identify problem areas.
Design Solutions
Properly designed roadways encourage lawful behavior,thus decreasing the frequency of
accidents. Many jurisdictions have found a correlation between good bicycle facilities,
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higher use and increased obedience with the rules of the road.As the Town of Watertown
embarks on a program to upgrade its bicycle facilities, there are common engineering
solutions which should be considered to improve bicycle safety. Improving outside
lane/shoulder width is a key element contributing to enhanced bicycle safety and is a
major focus of this study. Signing and pavement markings is another. Other than following
established design criteria,there are also other techniques which are commonly used to
enhance bicycle safety:
• Include directional arrows with bike lane markings to discourage riding against
traffic.
• Provide equal width shoulders to discourage riding against traffic.
• Provide more crossing opportunities on wide streets.
• Avoid bike lanes which end at mid block. Stripe bike lanes to a marked crosswalk
or a point where moving vehicles would expect a crossing.
• Improve sight distance by restricting excessive on street parking at intersections.
• Remove excess vegetation or other obstructions at intersections.
• Design/maintain bicycle safe drainage grates and repair sunken grates.
• Increase awareness of the presence of bicycles through "Share the Road" signing.
• Provide bicycle detection when upgrading signalized intersections to reduce the
incidence of bicyclists running red lights while waiting for a signal phase to be
called (detection for bicycles is current state policy).
• Evaluate traffic signal clearance intervals for bicycle traffic.
• Post"No Parking in Bike Lane" signing where appropriate.
Traffic Calming
Traffic calming (reducing traffic speeds) can be effective in enhancing bicycle safety. Traffic
calming can be accomplished through physical constraints (speed humps, chicanes,
alternating on street parking, neckdowns, etc.) or by creating an "illusion of less space".
Physical constraints should be applied judiciously, as most require capital investment and
often provide unexpected obstructions to bicyclists thus defeating the purpose of enhanced
bicycle safety. In an urban environment such as Watertown, the most effective method of
calming traffic is by striping narrower vehicular lanes. Most drivers will adjust their speed
in accordance with the available space.
Bike Lanes vs.Wide Curb Lanes
There has been ongoing discussions regarding the effectiveness of bike lanes vs. wide curb
lanes. The most recent study sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
entitled Bicycle Lanes versus Wide Curb Lanes: Operational and Safety Findings and
Countermeasure Recommendations, dated October 1999 (see Appendix C for abstract)
indicates that both wide curb lanes and bike lanes can be beneficial in improving riding
conditions. With regard to accidents between vehicles and bicycles at intersections, the
study concludes that"the identified differences in operations and conflicts appeared to be
related to the specific destination patterns of bicyclists riding through the intersection
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areas studied and not to the characteristics of the bicycle facilities." As a result, it appears
that good design practice at intersections, education and enforcement are at least as
important as the choice of whether to provide bike lanes or wide curb lanes.
The FHWA report also discusses conflicts that arise in areas with on-street parking which
is a concern in Watertown. High parking turnover and illegal "double parking" in bicycle
facilities are the most common cause of conflicts. Placement of"No Parking in Bike Lane"
signing along with increased enforcement is the best solution to prevent double parking.
The best way to prevent conflicts due to opening of car doors (dooring) is proper design
practice. Bike lanes should be 5 feet in width where parking is permitted. Where the
parking demand/turnover is high, a 13-14 foot combined parking/bike lane space is
desirable.As a parked vehicle usually occupies 7 feet, a shared parking/bike lane area of
12-13 feet leaves a space of 6-7 feet for bicycles.As a 3 foot offset from parked vehicles is
usually considered a minimum safe distance for bicycles, a properly designed bike lane
should minimize the potential for dooring conflicts.Where combined parking/bicycle space
is utilized in lieu of a bike lane, a minimum 12 foot distance from face of curb to edge of
travel lane is recommended. This will also provide for a minimum 3 foot distance between
a parked vehicle and a bicycle.
Improvements to Roadway Cross -Sections
Recommended roadway treatments are based upon the minimum AASHTO requirements
as defined in American Association of State High way and Transportation Officials
(AASHTO) 1999 Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities and as detailed herein.
All alternatives assume minimum 11 foot travel lanes and 8 foot parking lanes, unless
otherwise stated.
In formulating recommendations for the various corridors, potential alternatives were
evaluated for meeting minimum standards for Exclusive Bike Lanes and Bike Routes as the
preferred options. Where minimum standards could not be met, most roadways qualified
for"Share the Road" signing, used to increase awareness that bicycles are present.
Roadway geometry data was collected at representative locations for each street including
lane configuration and pavement/shoulder widths; observed on-street parking demand
and parking regulations; widths of sidewalks and grass strips; right of way widths; posted
speed and Average Annual Daily Traffic Volume (AADT). If there is no posted speed, 30
mph is assumed.
Traffic counts were compiled based upon historic records supplemented by Automatic
Traffic Recorder (ATR) counts taken in the field.
An analysis of selected roadway cross-sections with recommendations for bicycle
accommodations follows:
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EAST-WEST ROUTES
Arsenal Street(two lane section)
Existing Conditions ,
Corridor Description: commercial 1
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 13,870 EL
s�
Number of travel lanes: 2 '
_ r
Posted speed: 30
Pavement width (feet): 52 ' '-
Parking: both sides, high demand
Sidewalks: both sides, no grass strips
Right-of-way width (feet): 64
Recommendations
The objective would be to match the two lane portion of Arsenal Street already
constructed. Paint 5 foot bike lanes with one foot offset to parking lanes leaving two 12 foot
lanes for vehicular traffic. End bike lanes at turning lane approaches to Watertown Square.
No widening required.
9
Arsenal Street(four lane sectionA
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: commercial ;
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 13,870
Number of travel lanes: 4 - '
Posted speed: 30 -
Pavement width (feet): 52
Parking: none
Sidewalks: both sides, no grass strips
Right-of-way width (feet): 64
Alternatives(preferred alt in bold)
1. Paint shoulder stripe 4 feet from face of curb. Narrow travel lanes to 11 feet. No
widening required. Maintain signing as Class IV Shared Roadway.
2. Narrow sidewalks from 6 feet to 5 feet each side, allowing for 16 foot outside lanes.
Paint shoulder stripe 5 feet from face of curb. Narrow travel lanes to 11 feet. Sign as
Class III Bike Route.
3. Leave current lane configuration and Share the Road signing as is.
Recommendation
Although minor widenings and/or narrower travel lanes would provide more space for
bicycles, this section of roadway was recently reconstructed and should remain as is. The
"Share the Road" signing will raise awareness of the presence of bicycles in the roadway. In
the future when this roadway is scheduled for repaving or reconstruction,Alternatives 1 or
2 should be considered to provide a wider shoulder for bicycles.
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Main Street(west of Waverlev Street
Existing Conditions s
oil
Corridor Description: mostly residential M
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 26,688
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: 30-35
Pavement width (feet): 46
Parking: both sides, low demand
Sidewalks: both sides with grass strips
Right-of-way width (feet): 60
Alternatives(preferred alt in bold)
1. Stripe for 16 foot outside lane by painting shoulder/parking stripe at 7 foot offset
from curb. This provides effective outside lane width of 15 feet. Sign as Class III
"Bike Route".
2. Widen roadway by two feet each side by narrowing grass strips. Paint 5 foot bike
lane with one foot offset to parking/shoulder stripe offset 7 foot offset to curb. This
would leave two 12 foot vehicular lanes. Sign as Class II Bike Lanes
3. Provide an 11 foot combined parking/bicycle lane (striped) on both sides leaving two
12 foot travel lanes.Sign as Class III Bike Route.
4. Provide a 5 foot bike lane within a 12 foot shared bicycle/parking area. Travel lanes
would be 11 feet in width. Sign for Class 11 Bike Lanes.
Recommendation
This segment of Main Street is State Highway and is high volume with significant truck
traffic. One option would be to provide edge striping to delineate parking/bicycle area,
similar to treatment on Watertown Street (Alt. 3). Since parking demand is low, there is
little edge friction created by parked vehicles. This is solution would most likely be
accepted by MassHighway.
Should the Town consider taking over ownership of Main Street from MassHighway
through a discontinuance, bike lanes (Alt. 4) would provide better accommodations for
bicycles and would provide continuity with proposed bike lanes recommended for Main
Street east of Waverley Street. This option would require narrowing travel lanes to 11 feet.
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Main Street(east of Waverley Street]
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: commercial
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 26,688
Number of travel lanes: 2 -
Posted speed: 30-35
Pavement width (feet): 48
Parking: both sides metered stalls, high '
demand "'`
Sidewalks: both sides, no grass strips
Right-of-way width (feet): 90
Alternatives(preferred alt in bold)
1. Widen roadway by one foot each side or two feet on one side by narrowing
sidewalks. Paint 5 foot bike lane with one foot offset to 7 foot parking stalls. Sign as
Class II Bike Lanes.
2. Restripe parking lanes to uniform 7 foot offset from curb.Provide four foot bike lane
with one foot offset to parking stalls.Sign as Class II Bike Lanes.
3. Restripe parking lanes to uniform 8 foot offset from curb on both sides. This will
provide for two 16 foot outside lanes without widening. Sign as Class III Bike Route.
Recommendations
Narrowing sidewalks is not practical in this commercial area because of heavy pedestrian
activity and the expense of relocating street lighting.A 16 foot outside lane which meets
minimum standards for a signed Class III Bike Route would be the preferred option. Should
bike lanes be considered on the state owned section of Main Street west of Waverly Street,
Alt. 2 would be a more desirable option for this segment.
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Mt.Auburn Street
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: commercial/residential
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 15,240
Number of travel lanes: 4
Posted speed: 30
Pavement width (feet): 56
Parking: south side, moderate demand
Sidewalks: both sides
Right-of-way width (feet): 80
Alternatives(preferred alt.in bold)
1. Eliminate on street parking. Stripe four 11 foot lanes with 2 five foot bike lanes
offset one foot from the curb.
2. Widen roadway by three feet each side or six feet on one side by
narrowing/eliminating grass strips or narrowing sidewalks. Stripe for two 16 foot
outside lanes and two 11 foot inside lanes. Retain one 8 foot parking lane. Sign as
Class III Bike Route.
3. Widen roadway by four foot each side by eliminating grass strips. Paint 5 foot bike
lane with one foot offset to parking or curb. Sign as Class II Bike Lanes.
4. Stripe 7 foot parking lane on one side and four foot shoulder on opposite side. Stripe 3
- 10 foot lanes and one 15 foot lane (parking side). Sign as Class IV Shared Roadway
S. Eliminate one travel lane in each direction. Stripe two 14 foot travel lanes with two
eight foot parking lanes and two five foot bike lanes offset one foot from the parking
lane. Sign for Class II Bike Lanes.
Recommendations
The average daily traffic of 15,240 makes Arsenal Street a candidate for reducing the
present configuration of four vehicle lanes to two. This would create space for Class II Bike
Lanes in both directions, thus accommodating bicycle traffic on this important east-west
route. Should a corridor study indicate the two vehicle lane alternative (Alt. 5) is not
feasible,Alternative 4 would provide additional shoulder/outside lane width to better
accommodate bicycle traffic. This alternative, however, will not meet minimum AASHTO
standards for bicycle accommodation. The narrowing of lanes would have a traffic calming
effect which would tend to reduce speeds.
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Mt.Auburn Street(commercial district)
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: commercial
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 15,240 s
Number of travel lanes: 4
Posted speed: 30
Pavement width (feet): 56 -
Parking: both sides metered, high demand -
Sidewalks: both sides
Right-of-way width (feet): 84
Alternatives Alternatives(preferred alt.in bold)
1. Narrow sidewalks from 14 feet to nine feet. Stripe for two 15 foot outside lanes. Sign
as Class III Bike Route.
2. Narrow sidewalks from 14 feet to seven feet. Provide five foot bike lanes both sides
with one foot offset to parking stalls. Sign as Class II Bike Lanes.
3. Eliminate parking lane one side. Widen roadway by two feet each side by narrowing
sidewalks from 14 feet to 12 feet. Provide 5 foot bike lanes both sides with one foot
offset to parking or curb. Sign as Class II Bike Lanes.
4. Stripe 10 foot inside lanes and 12 foot outside lanes.Delineate parking stalls at 7 feet
from curb.
S. Eliminate one travel lane in each direction.Stripe two 14 foot travel lanes with two
eight foot parking lanes and two five foot bike lanes offset one foot from the parking
lane. Evaluate the need for turning lanes at intersections.
Recommendations
Treatments for the commercial districts on Mt.Auburn Street should be considered in
conjunction with the rest of the corridor. Should a corridor study indicate a reduction to
two travel lanes is feasible,Alternative 4 would provide for marked bike lanes.Without a
lane reduction, it is not possible to create additional space for bicycles that would meet
minimum standards unless parking is eliminated on one side and/or sidewalks are
narrowed. Both of these options would most likely be seen as unduly disruptive and
undesirable in a commercial district with heavy parking and pedestrian demand.
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North Beacon Street
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: commercial/residential `= -
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): >10,000
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: 30
Pavement width (feet): 56
Parking: both sides, moderate demand
Sidewalks: both sides
Right-of-way width (feet): 70
Alternatives
North Beacon Street presently has 5 foot bike lanes in both directions. "Share the Road"
signing will be added to supplement bike lane markings.
15
Orchard Street
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: single and multi-family
residential
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): <10,000
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: none
Pavement width (feet): 33 _
Parking: intermittant, low demand
Sidewalks: both sides with grass strips
Right-of-way width (feet): 50
Alternatives(preferred alt in bold)
1. Enact parking prohibition (both sides) and maintain existing width creating two
16.5 foot lanes. Stripe shoulder at 4.5 feet from curb. Sign as Class III Bike Route.
2. Allow parking one side only and widen roadway by 5 feet by eliminating grass
strips. Stripe parking lane 7 feet from the curb, leaving two 15 foot lanes. Sign as
Class III Bike Route.
3. Allow parking one side only and widen roadway by 6 feet by eliminating grass
strips. Stripe one 7 foot parking lane leaving two 11 foot travel lanes and two five
foot bike lanes. Sign as Class 11 Bike Lanes.
4. Enact parking prohibition (one side) and paint shoulder stripe 10 feet from curb to
delineate parking/bicycle space. Post Class IV"Share the Road" signing.
5. Maintain existing width.Paint shoulder stripe at a five foot offset to curb. Sign as
Class IV Shared Roadway.
Recommendation
Use "Share the Road" signing or bike symbols in the vicinity of the school. Paint shoulder
stripe at a five foot offset to curb.
16
Pleasant Street
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: mostly commercial
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 13,450 -
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: none
Pavement width (feet): 28 - -
Parking: none {
Sidewalks: both sides
Right-of-way width (feet): 40 �.
Alternatives(preferred alt in bold)
1. Narrow sidewalks from 6 feet to 5 feet both sides. Widen roadway from 28 to 32
feet. Two foot strip taking is required. This will provide two 16 foot outside lanes.
Paint 5 foot shoulders each side. Sign as Class III Bike Route.
2. Narrow sidewalks from 6 feet to 5 feet both sides.Widen roadway from 28 to 29.5
feet. Provide two 11 foot outside lanes with striped shoulders. Sign as Class IV Shared
Roadway.
3. Maintain current roadway width. Post"Share the Road" signing.
Recommendations
Pleasant Street is a narrow, high volume roadway within a restrictive right-of-way.
Improved bicycle accommodations will be provided by widening shoulders as
MassHighway has scheduled this roadway for reconstruction. Providing"Share the Road "
signing to increase driver awareness would be an alternative which could be immediately
implemented.
17
Summer Street
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: residential
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): <10,000
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: none -
Pavement width (feet): 23 —
Parking: none but vehicles pull up on grass Y
strip, low demand
Sidewalks: both sides
Right-of-way width (feet): 40
Alternatives(preferred alt,in bold)
1. Widen to 30 feet by eliminating grass strips. This would accommodate two 15 foot
outside lanes. Sign as Class III Bike Route.
2. Widen to 32 feet by eliminating grass strips. This would accommodate two 5 foot
bike lanes. Sign as Class 11 Bike Lanes.
3. Post Class IV"Share the Road" signing
Recommendations
This is a low volume residential street which does not qualify as a major east-west route
and would not require bicycle signing or pavement markings.
18
Walnut Street
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: commercial/multi - family
residential
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): <10,000
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: 30 ..
Pavement width (feet): 32
Parking: intermittant, high demand in some
sections
Sidewalks: both sides y
Right-of-way width (feet): 50
Alternatives(preferred alt,in bold)
1. Enact parking prohibition (one side) and stripe parking lane 7 feet from the curb.
Maintain existing width creating 14 and 11 foot lanes. Sign as Class IV Shared Roadway.
2. Enact parking prohibition (both sides) and maintain existing width creating two 11
foot lanes and two 5 foot shoulders. Sign as Class III Bike Route.
3. Sign as Class IV Shared Roadway.
Recommendations
Improved bicycle accommodations would require widening at the expense of grass strips
and/or front yards.A parking prohibition on one or both sides would be controversial in a
residential area.Walnut Street does not qualify as a major north-south or east-west route
and would not require bicycle signing or pavement markings.
19
Waltham Street
Existing Conditions
t r
Corridor Description: multi-family residential; : • n ■
commercial west of Bridge Street
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): <10,000
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: none
Pavement width (feet): 27 east of Bridge St.,
36 west of Bridge Street
Parking: one side, low demand east of Bridge
Street, mostly no parking west of Bridge
Street
Sidewalks: both sides
Right-of-way width (feet): 40
Alternatives-East ofBridge Street(preferred alt,in bold)
1. Ban parking both sides. Post Class IV"Share the Road" signing.
2. Enact parking prohibition (both sides) and widen 3 feet creating two 15 foot lanes.
Sign as Class III Bike Route.
3. Enact parking prohibition (both sides) and widen 5 feet. Install 5 foot bike lanes.
Sign as Class II Bike Lanes.
4. Post Class IV"Share the Road"signing.
Alternatives-East ofBridge Street(preferred alt,in bold)
1. Post Class IV"Share the Road" signing.
2. Stripe for two 12 foot lanes and two five foot shoulders. Post Class IV"Share the
Road" signing.
3. Stripe for two 12 foot lanes and two five foot bike lanes. Post Class II "Bike Lane"
signing.
Recommendations-East ofBridge Street
This segment of Waltham Street is narrow and minimum bicycle accommodations would
require widening at the expense of grass strips and/or front yards.A parking prohibition
both sides would be controversial in a residential area. "Share the Road" signing would
increase driver awareness of the presence of bicycles.
Recommendations- West ofBridge Street
West of the lumber yard,the roadway width is 36 feet with no parking. Stripe for two 12
foot lanes and two five foot bike lanes to the Waltham line. Sign as a Class II Bike Route.
20
Watertown Street
Existing Conditions f
Corridor Description: commercial/residential
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 12,018
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: 30
Pavement width (feet): 44
Parking: both sides, low demand
Sidewalks: both sides
Right-of-way width (feet): 60
Alternatives(preferred alt in bold)
1. Eliminate parking on one side. Stripe for two five foot bike lanes. Sign as Class II
Bike Lanes.
2. Narrow sidewalks from 8 feet to 6 feet both sides. Stripe for two 14 foot outside
lanes with shoulder/parking stripe at 10 foot offset from curb, effectively providing
for two 16 foot outside lanes. Sign as Class III Bike Route.
3. Narrow sidewalks from 8 feet to 5 feet both sides. Stripe for two 5 foot bike lanes at
one foot offset from parking lane and paint shoulder/parking stripe at 8 foot offset
from curb. Sign as Class 11 Bike Lanes.
4. Presently striped with parking/bicycle space at 10-11 feet from curb both sides,but is
not signed. Leave pavement markings as is. Post Class IV"Share the Road"signing.
Recommendations
Although not meeting minimum bicycle accommodation requirements for two lanes plus
parking on both sides,the present configuration of Watertown Street is bicycle friendly.
This is due to the wide (44 foot) pavement section and the low demand for on-street
parking. The delineation of the parking/bicycle space channelizes vehicles toward the
middle of the road which benefits the bicyclist. The only recommendation here would be to
post"Share the Road" signing to increase driver awareness of the presence of bicycles.
21
NORTH - SOUTH ROUTES
Arlington Street
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: commercial/residential
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 15,300
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: none
Pavement width (feet): 39
Parking: both sides, high demand -
Sidewalks: both sides, grass strips `=
Right-of-way width (feet): 50
Alternatives(preferred alt in bold)
1. Enact parking prohibition on one side. Stripe 5 foot shoulder on one side and 8 foot
parking lane on other side leaving one 11 foot lane and one 15 foot lane. Sign as
Class III Bike Route.
2. Enact parking prohibition on one side and install 5 foot bike lanes. This would leave
two 11 foot vehicle lanes.Would require widening from 39 to 42 feet and a 3 foot
strip taking. Sign as Class 11 Bike Lane.
3. Provide delineation of parking lane 8.5 feet from curb both sides,leaving 22 feet for
two lanes. Post Class IV"Share the Road"signing.
Recommendations
Of the three above alternatives above,Alternative 3 is the most realistic and immediately
attainable.As the corridor is primarily multi-family residential and commercial a parking
prohibition is undesirable.As this is a relatively high volume north-south route, delineation
of the parking lanes will channel through vehicles toward the center of the road thus better
defining the parking/bicycle area. Upgrading should be prior to or in conjunction with the
planned MDC Watertown Bikeway on the abandoned rail right-of-way.
22
Church Street
'4
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: multi-family residential
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 7,730
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: none
Pavement width (feet): 23
Parking: none -
Sidewalks: both sides with grass strips
Right-of-way width (feet): 40
Alternatives(preferred alt.in bold)
1. Eliminate 3 foot grass strip both sides.Widen roadway to 30 feet. Stripe 4 foot
shoulders both sides. This would accommodate two 15 foot outside lanes. Sign as
Class III Bike Route.
2. Eliminate 3 foot grass strip both sides.Widen roadway to 32 feet, requiring two foot
strip taking. This would accommodate two 5 foot bike lanes. Sign as Class 11 Bike
Lanes.
3. Post Class IV"Share the Road"signing
Recommendations
Church Street is narrow and does not come close to minimum bicycle accommodation
criteria. Improved bicycle accommodations would require widening at the expense of grass
strips and/or front yards. This is probably not justified given the relatively low volume of
traffic and the absence of parked vehicles. "Share the Road" signing would increase driver
awareness of the presence of bicycles.
23
Common Street
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: mostly residential
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): <10,000
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: none
Pavement width (feet): 32 "
Parking: varies, one or both sides, moderate
demand
Sidewalks: both sides, no grass strips
Right-of-way width (feet): 40 `
Alternatives(preferred alt in bold)
1. Enact parking prohibition both sides. Sign as Class III Bike Route.
2. Enact parking prohibition both sides. Paint bike lanes. Sign as Class II Bike Lanes.
3. Limit parking to one side (where applicable). Place shoulder stripe 7 feet from curb
leaving a 3 foot shoulder on the other side and two 11 foot lanes. Post Class IV"Share
the Road"signing.
Recommended Options-Locke to Mt.Auburn
Short Term: There is an existing parking prohibition on the southbound side (occasionally
northbound) only.Where parking is allowed, stripe at 7 foot offset from curb, leaving a 3
foot shoulder on the other side and two 11 foot lanes. Post Class IV"Share the Road"
signing.
Long Term: This roadway is in need of reconstruction. Bicycle accommodations and
geometric improvements, especially at Orchard Street, should be analyzed during the
design phase.
24
Coolidge Avenue (east of Grove Street)
Existing Conditions
a
Corridor Description: commercial/residential ,
(apt. buildings)
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): <10,000
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: 30
Pavement width (feet): 27-30 - - -
Parking: westbound side, in front of
apartment building only, low demand
Sidewalks: none
Right-of-way width (feet): 40 -
Alternatives(preferred alt in bold)
1. Restrict parking to one side only. Place Class IV"Share the Road" signing.
2. Widen to uniform width of 30 feet. Eliminate parking and stripe 4 foot shoulders.
Sign as Class III Bike Route.
3. Widen to uniform width of 32 feet. Paint 5 foot bike lanes and eliminate parking.
Sign as Class II Bike Lanes.
4. Widen to uniform 30 foot width. Stripe for two 11 foot lanes and two 4 foot shoulders.
Post as Class III Bike Route.
Recommendations
Minor widening in certain areas to attain a uniform 30 foot width can be accomplished
without major disruption to sidewalks or abutting properties. Since eliminating on-street
parking at the apartment complex is probably not viable, attaining bike lanes the full length
of this segment is not practical. In general, a uniform 30 foot roadway width-would
eliminate some of the narrower sections and improve bicycle accommodations by
providing a full 15 foot outside lane.
25
Coolidge Avenue (west of Grove Street]
Existing Conditions _
Corridor Description: commercial/residential ` _
(apt. buildings)
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 3,700
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: 30
Pavement width (feet): 40
Parking: none, except in front of Charles River
Towers
Sidewalks: both sides, grass strip one side
Right-of-way width (feet): 55
Alternatives(preferred alt in bold)
1. Paint five foot bike lanes both sides, offset one foot from curb. Eliminate parking in
front of Charles River Towers. Sign as Class II Bike Lanes.
2. Paint 9 foot shoulder/parking lanes both sides. Post as Class III Bike Route.
Recommendations
The wide cross section of Coolidge Street in this area provides for a bicycle friendly
environment. Since eliminating parking in front of Charles River towers is not a viable
option, attaining bike lanes the full length of this segment is not practical. Sign as Class III
Bike Route.
26
Dexter Street
Existing Conditions
k
Corridor Description: commercial/multi-
family residential .il
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): <10,000 { ' i
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: none
Pavement width (feet): 32
Parking: one side alternating, moderate to
high demand01
�f
Sidewalks: both sides with grass strips '
Right-of-way width (feet): 50
Alternatives(preferred alt,in bold)
1. Enact parking prohibition both sides. Paint five foot shoulders both sides. Sign as
Class III Bike Route.
2. Enact parking prohibition both sides. Paint five foot bike lanes both sides. Sign as
Class II Bike Lanes.
3. Remove grass strips and trees and widen from 32 to 38 feet. Restrict parking to one
side and stripe parking lane at an eight foot offset from the curb. This would provide
for two 15 foot outside lanes to accommodate cyclists. Sign as Class III Bike Route.
4. Post Class IV"Share the Road" signing.
Recommendations
This is a low volume residential street which would not require bicycle signing or
pavement markings.
27
Galen Street
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: commercial �4
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 23,920
Number of travel lanes: 4 G
Posted speed: none =- _
Pavement width (feet): 60
Parking: both sides, high demand -
Sidewalks: both sides with neckdowns; no
grass strips
Right-of-way width (feet): 70
MBTA Bus Route
Alternatives(preferred alt in bold)
1. Eliminate a parking lane on one side. Stripe with 11 foot outside lane plus 5 foot
shoulder. Sign as Class III Bike Route.
2. Post"Share the Road"signing.
Recommendations
Creating more room in the outside lane for bicycles in this corridor would require the
elimination of parking on one side. This is undesirable in this primarily commercial
area where parking demand is high. Since this corridor was recently reconstructed,
funding would not be readily available for additional improvements. Posting of"Share
the Road" signing is the most immediately available option for raising awareness of the
presence of bicycles, especially since this is a heavy MBTA bus route.
28
Grove Street(Coolidge Avenue to Kandazian Street
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: commercial west side,
cemetary east side
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): <10,000
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: 30
Pavement width (feet): 30 _
Parking: none
Sidewalks: west side, no grass strip
Right-of-way width (feet): 50
Alternatives(preferred alt in bold)
1. Maintain 30 foot width. Sign as bike route. This would accommodate two 15 foot
outside lanes. Sign as Class III Bike Route.
2. Widen from 30 feet to 34 feet on cemetary side. Install five foot bike lanes both
sides offset one foot from curb, leaving two 11 foot vehicle lanes. Sign as Class II
Bike Lanes.
3. Maintain 30 foot width. Stripe as two 11 foot thru lanes and two 4 foot shoulders.
Sign as Class III Bike Route.
Recommendations
Absence of parking along this corridor makes this an excellent route for bicycles. Shoulder
striping will channelize vehicles toward the middle of the road.
29
Grove Street(North of Kandazian Streetl
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: commercial/residential
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): <10,000
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: 30
Pavement width (feet): 30
Parking: minor demand on west side in front of a few residences
Sidewalks: west side
Right-of-way width (feet): 50
Alternatives(preferred alt in bold)
1. Enact parking prohibition both sides and widen from 30 feet to 32 feet. Install 5
foot bike lanes. Sign as Class II Bike Lanes.
2. Maintain 30 foot width. Stripe as two 11 foot thru lanes and two 4 foot shoulders. Sign
as Class III Bike Route.
Recommendations
Absence of parking along this corridor makes this an excellent route for bicycles, meeting
minimum criteria for a Class III Bike Route. Shoulder striping will channelize vehicles
toward the middle of the road. Treatment will be consistent with the rest of Grove Street.
Upgrading should be prior to or in conjunction with the planned MDC Watertown Bikeway
on the abandoned rail right-of-way.
30
Lexington Street(north of Main Street)
Existing Conditions
x'
Corridor Description: single and multi-family E�
residential
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 5,960
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: 25
Pavement width (feet): 27
Parking: none
Sidewalks: both sides, grass strip on east side
Right-of-way width (feet): 50
Alternatives(preferred alt.in bold)
• Widen from 27 feet to 30 feet by narrowing grass strip and/or sidewalks. Stripe five
foot shoulders both sides. Sign as Class III Bike Route.
• Maintain 27 foot width. This would accommodate two 11 foot lanes and 2.5 foot striped
shoulders. Sign as Class IV"Share the Road".
Recommendations
Lexington Street is narrow and minimum bicycle accommodations would require widening
at the expense of grass strips and/or front yards. This is probably not justified given the
moderate volume of traffic and the absence of parked vehicles. "Share the Road" signing
would increase driver awareness of the presence of bicycles, particularly since Lexington
Street is a major north-south route in Watertown.
31
School Street(Arsenal Street to Putnam Streetl
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: commercial
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 9,000
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: none
Pavement width (feet): 32
Parking: both sides, high demand
Sidewalks: both sides with grass strips
Right-of-way width (feet): 50
Alternatives(preferred alt in bold)
1. Enact parking prohibition (one side) and stripe parking lane 7 feet from the curb.
Maintain existing width creating 14 and 11 foot lanes. Sign as Class IV Shared
Roadway.
2. Enact parking prohibition (both sides) and maintain existing width creating two 16
foot lanes. Paint 5 foot bike lanes. Sign as Class II Bike Lanes.
3. Allow parking one side only and widen roadway by 6 feet by eliminating grass
strips. Paint 8 foot parking lane on one side leaving two 15 foot lanes. Sign as Class
III Bike Route.
4. Allow parking one side only and widen roadway by 7 feet by eliminating grass
strips. Stripe one 7 foot parking lane leaving two 11 foot travel lanes and two five
foot bike lanes. Sign as Class II Bike Lanes.
S. Maintain existing roadway width.Sign as Class IV Shared Roadway.
Recommendations
Widening is not an option due to the restrictive right-of-way in a commercial area. The
high demand for parking makes parking restrictions unrealistic. "Share the Road" signing
would be consistent with the other sections of School Street. Upgrading should be prior to
or in conjunction with the planned MDC Watertown Bikeway on the abandoned rail right-
of-way.
32
School Street (Putnam Street to Mt.Auburn streetl
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: residential/some commercial
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 9,000
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: none
Pavement width (feet): 26-32
Parking: both sides, low demand
Sidewalks: both sides
Right-of-way width (feet): 50
Alternatives(preferred alt.in bold)
• Enact parking prohibition (one side) and stripe parking lane 7 feet from the curb.
Maintain existing width creating 14 and 11 foot lanes. Sign as Class IV Shared Roadway.
• Enact parking prohibition (both sides) and maintain existing width creating two 16
foot lanes. Stripe 5 foot shoulders. Sign as Class III Bike Route.
• Enact parking prohibition (both sides) and maintain existing width creating two 16
foot lanes. Install 5 foot bike lanes. Sign as Class II Bike Lanes.
• Allow parking one side only and widen roadway by 5 feet by eliminating grass strips.
Stripe a 7 foot parking lane, leaving two 15 foot vehicle lanes. Sign as Class III Bike
Route.
• Allow parking one side only and widen roadway by 7 feet by eliminating grass strips.
Stripe one 7 foot parking lane leaving two 11 foot travel lanes and two five foot bike
lanes. Sign as Class II Bike Lanes.
• Sign as Class IV Shared Roadway.
Recommendations
This segment of School Street is narrow and improved bicycle accommodations would
require widening at the expense of grass strips and/or front yards.A parking prohibition
on one or both sides would be controversial in this residential area as most houses are
multi-family. "Share the Road" signing would increase driver awareness of the presence of
bicycles and be consistent with the other sections of School Street.
33
School Street(North of Mt.Auburn Street]
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: single family reidential -
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 9,000
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: none
Pavement width (feet): 26-32 _ �-
Parking: intermittant, low demand
Sidewalks: both sides with grass strips
Right-of-way width (feet): 50
Alternatives(preferred alt in bold)
1. Enact parking prohibition (both sides) and attain uniform width of 30 feet creating
two 15 foot lanes. Sign as Class III Bike Route.
2. Widen to 32 feet. Enact parking prohibition (one side) and stripe parking lane 7
feet from the curb. Maintain existing width creating 14 and 11 foot lanes. Sign as
Class IV Shared Roadway.
3. Enact parking prohibition (both sides) and widen to 32 feet creating two 11 foot
lanes and two 5 foot shoulders. Sign as Class III Bike Route.
4. Enact parking prohibition (both sides). Sign as Class IV Shared Roadway.
S. Enact parking prohibition (both sides) and attain uniform width of 30 feet creating
two 15 foot lanes. Sign as Class III Bike Route.
6. Maintain existing width.Sign as Class IV Shared Roadway.
Recommendations
This segment of School Street is narrow and improved bicycle accommodations would
require widening at the expense of grass strips and/or front yards.A parking prohibition
on one or both sides would be controversial in a residential area. "Share the Road" signing
would increase driver awareness of the presence of bicycles and would be consistent with
the other sections of School Street.
34
Waverley Street
Existing Conditions
Corridor Description: mostly residential
Average Daily Traffic (AADT): <10,000 r
Number of travel lanes: 2
Posted speed: none
Pavement width (feet): 35 _
Parking: intermittant, low demand
Sidewalks: both sides
Right-of-way width (feet): 50
Alternatives(preferred alt in bold)
1. Enact parking prohibition (both sides) and maintain existing width. Install 5 foot
bike lanes. Sign as Class II Bike Lanes.
2. Allow parking one side only and widen roadway by 2 feet. Stripe 7 foot parking lane
leaving two 15 foot lanes. Sign as Class III Bike Route.
3. Allow parking one side only and widen roadway by 4 feet. Stripe 7 foot parking lane
leaving two 11 foot lanes and two 5 foot bike lanes. Sign as Class II Bike Route.
4. Enact parking prohibition (one side) and maintain existing width. Stripe one 7 foot
parking lane, leaving two 14 foot lanes. Sign as Class IV Shared Roadway.
S. Stripe two 6 foot shoulders.Post Class IV"Share the Road"signing.
Recommendations
Improved bicycle accommodations would require widening at the expense of grass strips,
mature trees and/or front yards or parking restrictions.A parking prohibition on one or
both sides would be controversial in a residential area. Residents have removed curbing in
areas to facilitate use of grass strips for parking. "Share the Road" signing would increase
driver awareness of the presence of bicycles on this primary north-south route through
Watertown.
Use "Share the Road" signing or bike symbols in the vicinity of the school. Paint shoulder
stripe at a five foot offset to curb.
35
MINIMUM RECOMMENDED PAVEMENT WIDTHS PER AASHTO
(TWO LANE FACILITY, VOLUME > 2000 ADT)
4.9 m (16 ft) 4.9 m (16 ft)
1.5 m (5 ft) 3.4 m (11 ft) 3.4 m (11 ft) 1.5 m (5 ft)
BIKE LANE TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE BIKE LANE
CLASS II BIKE LANES - NO PARKING
12 m (39 ft)
3.7 m (12 ft)* 3.4 m (11 ft) 4.9 m (16 ft)
COMBINED PARKING / TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE
BIKE LANE
3.4 m (11 ft) 1.5 m (5 ft)
TRAVEL LANE BIKE LANE
CLASS II BIKE LANES - PARKING ONE SIDE
14 m (46 ft)
3.7 m (12 ft)* 3.4 m (11 ft) 3.4 m (11 ft) 3.7 m (12 ft)*
COMBINED PARKING / TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE COMBINED PARKING /
BIKE LANE BIKE LANE
CLASS II BIKE LANES - PARKING BOTH SIDES
* 13 FT IN COMMERCIAL AREAS WHERE PARKING TURNOVER IS HIGH
FIGURE 1
MINIMUM RECOMMENDED PAVEMENT WIDTHS PER AASHTO
(TWO LANE FACILITY, VOLUME > 2000 ADT)
4.3 m (14 ft) 4.3 m (14 ft)
1.2 m (4 ft) 1.2 m (4 ft)
SHOULDER SHOULDER
CLASS III/CLASS IV - NO PARKING
11.3 m (37 ft)
3.6 m (12 ft) 3.4 m (11 ft) 4.3 m (14 ft)
COMBINED PARKING / TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE
BICYCLE AREA
l-
CLASS III/CLASS IV - PARKING ONE SIDE
14 m (46 ft)
3.6 m (12 ft) 3.4 m (11 ft) 3.4 m (11 ft) 3.6 m (12 ft)
COMBINED PARKING / TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE COMBINED PARKING /
BICYCLE AREA BICYCLE AREA
CLASS III/CLASS IV - PARKING BOTH SIDES
FIGURE 2
BEL MON T
WA L THA M
Ro CAMBRIDGE
T �r
O � O
sr �_ ■ --
T -
S v
� P z
pLegSgNr RR ROW
RR R0� S
OT B WA TER TOWN
_ MALL
P�� v
r
z ARSENAL
� MALL ROPE
CNPR�ES RIVER
i — SCHOOL
CLASS I — BIKE PATH
WA TE R TO WN BIKE MAP CLASS 11 — EXCLUSIVE BIKE LANES
WATERTOWN MA. CLASS III — BIKE ROUTE
N.T.S.
CLASS IV — SHARE THE ROAD
FIGURE 3
6'-0" 52'-0" 6'-6"
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK 1 10'-0" 16'-0" I 16'-0" 10'-0"
m rrn
D D
Z Z
m m
ARSENAL STREET (TWO LANE SECTION) — EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING STRIPING LAYOUT
6'-0" 52'-0" 6'-6"
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK 9'-0" 5'-0" 12'-0" I 12'-0" 5'-0" 9'-0"
9'-0" 5'-0" 12'-0" 12'-0" 5'-0" 9'-0"
PARKING BIKE VEHICLE LANE VEHICLE LANE BIKE PARKING v m = = m v
LANE LANE > m m A
x r, m m r, 2s
Z D r r D Z
Z D D Z 47
m z z m
m m
ARSENAL STREET (TWO LANE SECTION) — PROPOSED CLASS II BIKE LANES PROPOSED STRIPING LAYOUT
FIGURE 4
9'-6" 46'-0" 9'-6"
SIDEWALK & SIDEWALK & 10-0" 14'-6" 14'-6" 7'-0"
GRASS STRIP GRASS STRIP
MAIN STREET (WEST OF WAVERLY STREET) — EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING STRIPING LAYOUT
9'-6" 46'-0" 9'-6"
SIDEWALK & SIDEWALK & 11'-0" 12'-0" I 12'-0" 11'-0"
GRASS STRIP GRASS STRIP
11'-0" 12'-0" 12'-0" 11'-0" ao ao
PARKING/ VEHICLE LANE VEHICLE LANE PARKING/ D0-0 a
BICYCLE BICYCLE x �
mZ mZ
N\ Z Z N\
m m m m
------------
MAIN STREET (WEST OF WAVERLY STREET) — PROPOSED CLASS III BIKE ROUTE — ALT. 3 PROPOSED STRIPING LAYOUT — ALT. 3
9'-6" 46'-0" 9'-6" r
SIDEWALK & SIDEWALK & 7'-0" 5-0" 11'-0" I 11'-0" 5'-0" 7'-0" '
GRASS STRIP GRASS STRIP co
5'-0" 11'-0" 11'-0" 5'-0" 7'-0"
PARKING BIKE VEHICLE LANE VEHICLE LANE BIKE PARKING a c=—i a
LANE LANE � m r m �
r r m r T
Z D r r D Z
Z D D Z G)
m Z Z m
m m
MAIN STREET (WEST OF WAVERLY STREET) — PROPOSED CLASS II BIKE ROUTE — ALT. 4 PROPOSED STRIPING LAYOUT — ALT. 4
FIGURE 5
10'-0" 48'-0" 14'-0"
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK 8'-0" 15'-6" I 15'-6" 9'-0"
v v
D D
Z Z
Q 0
N N
> >
D D
r r
r r
N N
MAIN STREET (EAST OF WAVERLY STREET) - EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING STRIPING LAYOUT
10'-0" 48'-0" 14'-0"
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK 16'-0" 16'-0" 8'-0"
8'-0" 16,-0" 16'-0" 8'-0" D a
PARKING VEHICLE LANE/ VEHICLE LANE/ PARKING W n W n
BICYCLE BICYCLE z m m cZi
a "'z mz a
r m m r
MAIN STREET (EAST OF WAVERLY STREET) - PROPOSED CLASS III BIKE ROUTE - ALT. 3 PROPOSED STRIPING LAYOUT - ALT. 3
T1'-O" OFFSET 1'-0" OFFSET
10'-0" 48'-0" 14'-0" 7'-0" 5'-0" 11'-0" 11'-0" 5'-0" i 7'-0"
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK
1'-O" OFFSET 1'-O" OFFSET
v v
7'-0" F5'-0" 11'-0" 11'-O" 5'-0"7 7'-0"
PARKING BIKE VEHICLE LANE VEHICLE LANE BIKE PARKING z � z
LANE LANE c� m m r c�
D m z z m a
r rn m r
N N
MAIN STREET (EAST OF WAVERLY STREET) - PROPOSED CLASS II BIKE LANES - ALT. 2 PROPOSED STRIPING LAYOUT - ALT. 2
FIGURE 6
12'-0" 56'-0" 12'-0"
SIDEWALK & SIDEWALK & % �2—0"
GRASS STRIP GRASS STRIP 12—0" 11'-0" I 11'-0" 12'-0" 8'-0"
x
0
r
m m m m
z
0
O z z z z
m m m m
MT. AUBURN STREET — EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING STIPING LAYOUT
12'-0" 56'-0" 12'-0"
SIDEWALK & SIDEWALK & %4'-0" 10'-0" 10'-0" 1 10'-0" 15'-0" 7'-0"
GRASS STRIP GRASS STRIP
4'-0" 10'-0" 10'-0" 10'-0" 15'-0" 7'-0"
SHLD VEHICLE LANE VEHICLE LANE VEHICLE LANE VEHICLE/BICYCLE PARKING 9_ _ _ _
92
/BIKE ; m o m m rrn m m
r
C A D D D C z
; m\ z z z mm
m m m \
MT. AUBURN STREET — PROPOSED CONDITIONS — ALT. 4 PROPOSED STRIPING LAYOUT — ALT. 4
12'-0" 56'-0" 12'-0"
SIDEWALK & SIDEWALK & 9'-0" 5'-0" 14'-0" I 14'-0" 5'-0" 9-0-
GRASS STRIP GRASS STRIP
9'-0" 5'-0" 14'-0" 14'-0" 5'-0" 9'-0" '
PARKING BIKE VEHICLE LANE VEHICLE LANE BIKE PARKING com m
19
LANE LANE A m r, r, rrn A
r. r m m z
G7 z D D z 0
m z z r^
m m
MT. AUBURN STREET — PROPOSED CONDITIONS — ALT. 5 PROPOSED STRIPING LAYOUT — ALT. 5
FIGURE 7
14'-0" 56'-0" 14'-0"
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK 8'_0" 20'-0" I 20'-0" 8'-0"
D D
�1 Zll
------------
Z Z
G) L�
MT. AUBURN STREET (COMMERCIAL DISTRICT) - EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING STIPING LAYOUT
14'-0" 56'-0" 14'-0"
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK 8'-0" 10'-0" 10'-0" I 10'-0" 10'-0" 8-0"
8'-0" 10'-0" 10'-0" 10'-0" 10'-0" 8'-0"
PARKING VIMIULL/ VEHICLE LANE VEHICLE LANE VLHIULL/ PARKING n <
BICYCLE BICYCLE a n= 0 n= a
Fnn rn rrn Fnn 0
D m D D D\
Z\ Z Z Z
rn rnm m
MT. AUBURN STREET (COMMERCIAL DISTRICT) - PROPOSED CONDITIONS - ALT. 4 PROPOSED STRIPING LAYOUT - ALT. 4
(SAME AS EXISTING)
14'-0" 56'-0" 14'-0"
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK 8-0" 6'-0" 14'-0" I 14'-0" 6'-0" 8'-0"
8'-0" 6'-0" 14'-0" 14'-0" 6'-0" 8'-0" <
PARKING BIKE VEHICLE LANE VEHICLE LANE BIKE PARKING v W rn
LANE LANE > m r, rrn
x � m m r- x
0Z S. D Z 0
rn z z rn
m m
MT. AUBURN STREET (COMMERCIAL DISTRICT) - PROPOSED CLASS II BIKE LANES - ALT. 5 PROPOSED STRIPING LAYOUT - ALT. 5
FIGURE 8
6'-0" 28'-0" 6'-0" 2'-0" 2'-0"
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK
i 12'-0" I 12'-0" �
m mr-
rn
z z �'
m m
PLEASANT STREET — EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING STRIPING LAYOUT
VARIES VARIES
VARIES 29'-6" (MIN.) VARIES
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK 1 11'-0" 11'-0"
14'-9" (MIN.) 14'-9" (MIN.) (MIN.) I (MIN.)
VEHICLE/BIKE LANE VEHICLE/BIKE LANE _ _ _ c ;
O = '
� � c� o
r r r C
o m m r
m r r
y y m
z z ;o
m m
PLEASANT STREET — PROPOSED CLASS IV SHARE THE ROAD — ALT. 2 PROPOSED STRIPING LAYOUT — ALT. 2
FIGURE 9
5'-0" 36'-0" 5'-0"
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK
m r�
x x
� n
r r
m m
z z
m m
WALTHAM STREET (WEST OF BRANCH) — EXISTING CONDITIONS
r1'-0"
5'-0" 12'-0" 12'-0" 5'-0" I�
5'-9" 36'-0" 5'-9" cox = m
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK 0 m
r1' SHOULDER 1' SHOULDER m r r m
f12'-0" 12'-0" r m m r
VEHICLE LANE VEHICLE LANE m z z m
m m
----------------------------
WALTHAM STREET (WEST OF BRANCH) - PROPOSED CLASS II BIKE LANE PROPOSED STRIPING LAYOUT
FIGURE 9A
8'-0" 44'-0" 8'-0"
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK 10'-0" 12'-0" I 12'-0" 10'-0"
0 v
0;0 ;
mz m m mz
c> c>
z� z z z�
m m m m
WATERTOWN STREET — EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING STRIPING LAYOUT
8'-0" 44'-0" 8'-0"
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK 10'-0" 12$-0" 12'-0" 10'-0"
10'-0" 12'-0" 12'-0" 10'-0" m m
PARKING/ VEHICLE LANE VEHICLE LANE PARKING/ {v x x 0 D
BIKE LANE BIKE LANE 0 z ;o
m m m m�
z z
c) c)
z� z z z�
m m m m
WATERTOWN STREET — PROPOSED CLASS IV SHARE THE ROAD PROPOSED STRIPING LAYOUT
FIGURE 10
5'-0" 39'-0" 6'-0"
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK 19'-6" 1 19'-6"
--------------
ARLINGTON STREET — EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING STRIPING LAYOUT
5-0" 39'-0" 6'-0"
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK 8'-5" 11'-0" I 11'-0" 8'-5'
8'-5" 11'-0" 11'-0" 8'-5" <
PARKING/ VEHICLE LANE VEHICLE LANE PARKING/ W-0rn
= __ CD
BICYCLE BICYCLE m 0 0 ��
Z m rn m r m Z
_ m\ m m rn
ARLINGTON STREET — PROPOSED CLASS IV SHARE THE ROAD PROPOSED STRIPING LAYOUT
FIGURE 11
4'-0" 32'-0" 6'-0" 2'-0) %
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK 6'-0" 12'-0" 12'-0"
COMMON STREET (LOCKE TO ORCHARD)— EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING STRIPING LAYOUT
4'-0" 32'-0" 6'-0"
SIDEWALK SIDEWALK 3'—O�
7'-0" 11'-0" I il'-0' 1 r
7'-0" 11'-0" 11'-0" 3'-0"
PARKING VEHICLE/ VEHICLE/ SHOULDER ao ao
BIKE LANE BIKE LANE I D m i m i
x rn rn
Z m\ m\
COMMON STREET (LOCKE TO ORCHARD) — PROPOSED CLASS IV SHARE THE ROAD PROPOSED STRIPING LAYOUT
FIGURE 12
8'-0" 27'-0" - 30'-0" VARIABLE
GRASS STRIP GRASS STRIP 27'-0" - 30'-0"
r� r�
x x
0 0
r r
m m
r r
D D
Z Z
m m
COOLIDGE AVENUE (EAST OF GROVE STREET) - EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING STRIPING LAYOUT
8'-0" 30'-0" VARIABLE 4'-0"r 4'-0"22'-0"
GRASS I GRASS STRIP
STRIP
4'-0" 22'-0" 4'-0" r x x r
SHLD/ SHLD/ m m m m
BICYCLE I BICYCLE
n
z z
m m m m
COOLIDGE AVENUE (EAST OF GROVE STREET) - PROPOSED CLASS IV SHARE THE ROAD PROPOSED STRIPING LAYOUT
FIGURE 13
9'-0" 39'-0" 7'-0"
SIDEWALK & SIDEWALK ? 19'-6"
GRASS STRIP
r� m
m
x x
m m
m m
z z
z z
� ! m m
COOLIDGE AVENUE (WEST OF GROVE STREET) - EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING STRIPING LAYOUT
9'-0" 40'-0" 7'-0" _
SIDEWALK & SIDEWALK 9'-0" 11'-0" 11'-0" 9'-0"
GRASS STRIP 9'_0" 11'-0" 91 W D x x W D
PARKING/ VEHICLE LANE VEHICLE LANE PARKING/
BICYCLE BICYCLE n Z m m n Z
m� Z Z m�
m m
COOLIDGE AVENUE (WEST OF GROVE STREET) - PROPOSED CLASS III BIKE ROUTE PROPOSED STRIPING LAYOUT
FIGURE 14
10'-0" 30'-0" 10'-0"
15-0" 15-0"
SIDEWALK GRASS STRIP
m r�*
= x
� n
m m
r r
D D
Z Z
m m
GROVE STREET - EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING STRIPING LAYOUT
10'-0" 30'-0" 10'-0" 4'-0" 4'-0'*
SIDEWALK GRASS STRIP
4'-0" 11'-0" 1,'-0" 4'-0" _ _
SHLD/ VEHICLE LANE VEHICLE LANE SHLD/ o n n v
BICYCLE BICYCLE m m m m
z z n
m m m m
GROVE STREET - PROPOSED CLASS III BIKE ROUTE PROPOSED STRIPING LAYOUT
FIGURE 15